Who deserves to win the Ballon d'Or this year? Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland are among the top finalists and are said to be the frontrunners.

The former won his first-ever World Cup in late 2022, while the young Manchester City star won a treble last season.

Both have a case to win the top individual award, but Newcastle United forward Callum Wilson and Michail Antonio think Messi getting away with it is a travesty. They agree it would be a scandal if the Argentinian won his eighth Ballon d'Or.

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During an appearance at the "Footballers' Footballer Podcast," Wilson reasoned that although the two achieved top team awards, Messi is playing in a weaker league.

Long-time West Ham United player Michail Antonio seconded his take.

"I understand Messi winning the World Cup is massive, but you can't look past a treble-winning team and what Haaland bought to that, breaking records. He deserves that Ballon d'Or. If he doesn't get it then it's a scandal."

Major backer of Haaland

Another notable backing Haaland is receiving for the 2023 Ballon d'Or award is his Manchester City coach, Pep Guardiola, who also happened to be Messi's former long-time coach.

Guardiola put Messi as a cut above everyone, as if in a god tier, but he is choosing his current star this time.

Unlike Wilson and Antonio, though, Messi winning is not an injustice.

"Egotistically I would say I want Erling because he helped us to achieve what we achieved," he told Eurosport.

"I would love it but I won't tell you it's unfair if Leo wins."